“Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.” – Mohandas K. Gandhi

Finding A High Quality Shop
Buying hang gliding equipment is not like buying a stereo or a book. Even veteran pilots rely on the experience and support of other pilots, their club, and their local hang glider shop to help make their flying safe and satisfying. Manufacturers would be happy to sell direct and cut out the middleman if they weren't convinced that dealers are an important part of the flying equation: good for the sport and good for you, the pilot. Is your shop living up to that trust?

Getting The Right Gear
A good shop will help you make the right equipment decisions: choices that are a good match for skill level and flying "style". Sure, dealers will have their favorite models, but they won't push an advanced glider on a hang 2 pilot just to sell a glider that's been on the shelf too long.
   Mission Soaring Center, won't show you a glider you shouldn't be flying. We stock an extensive demo fleet. We test fly every new glider, and don't rest until it flies right. We work closely with the manufacturers to improve handling and durability. We remove the sail, inspect, overhaul, and test fly every used glider we sell.
   The used gear market can be especially treacherous. Old gliders are cheap, but no bargain for the new student. The wrong glider will be disappointing, if not dangerous for a novice pilot. To say nothing of hidden damage that can turn a bargain into an expensive mistake. Your dealer should be selective about the used gliders he offers: only good flying, carefully overhauled models.
    It's an expensive proposition to keep state-of-the-art gliders for training these days. But you will progress faster if you train on the model of glider you will eventually buy. And harnesses are like shoes; some just don't fit your body -- a good shop should have a selection of harness styles to try on, and a place to test hang and adjust the rigging on a a stationary control frame.

Service Is Part Of The Deal
Service doesn't stop with the sale. You need to be thoroughly introduced to new equipment: setup, breakdown, flying, and packing tips. That harness needs to be hung and adjusted. At MSC, we are always looking for those extra pads, mods, tweaks, and additions that improve safety, durability, and comfort. Want an example? We feel so strongly about the value of a bridle backup on parachutes, we add it free at repack time.
   Want a real show of dealer commitment? Check out the maintenance facilities of your local shop. Do they have a stock of parts and raw materials? Can they make what they doesn't stock? Can they repack parachutes? Harness repairs? Sail repairs? Limited capabilities can turn weeks into months of downtime waiting for factory parts and repairs. A good shop is a big investment, but there's no such thing as good service without it.

A Good School Helps All Pilots
Let's face it, the sport needs new pilots. Without the support of more new pilots, we won't see those new, improved gliders, harnesses, and varios each year. We grouse when our old gear is obsolete in a few years, but who doesn't want the technology to progress? And new pilots contribute fresh energy to maintain existing sites and help open new ones.
   Good schools are our best source of new pilots. Schools spend time and money introducing the sport to future pilots. They turn out skilled, safe pilots that are easy to share the air with and don't jeopardize flying sites.

On The Political Frontline
Who's first in line to benefit when a shop supports the local club and flying sites? Darn right -- the pilots. A good shop should be involved with the local flying community by supporting club activities and flying sites. That's the way it should be. Maintaining local flying sites is the other half of dealer support and service. You can't generally get much use from a hang glider in your own back yard.

Grand Flying Central
A shop can provide the daily services that are tough for the local club. Visiting pilots find a reliable source of site information, paper work and pilot contacts for rides and guides. Locals have a ready supply of site and weather condition info. Heading out of town? Your shop should be able to tell you what to expect and who to contact.
   You won't find better value for your hang gliding dollars than at Mission Soaring. Add our support and service to competitive prices and you'll find yourself a winner.